Zambia has successfully participated in the 2024 Global Saemaul Leadership Forum, in South Korea, with a renewed pledge to transform lives and communities guided by the principles of self-help, diligence and cooperation.
Marking its 11th year, the Global Saemaul Leadership Forum, under the theme: “Together Saemaul, to the World, Future,” has brought together Permanent Secretaries, Directors, And Ambassadors from 45 countries to share the values and achievements of the Saemaul Undong.
Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary, Ms. Angela Kawandami, is leading a Zambian delegation and shared the Zambian Saemaul Undong experience, which she said has been transformative, particularly in Kafue and Chikankata districts where the concept is being implemented as a pilot project.
Ms. Kawandami appreciated the opportunity for Zambia to participate at the forum which she said provides an important opportunity to share experiences, learn from each other and reaffirm the country’s commitment to the principles of Saemaul Undong’s power to transform lives and communities.
She shared that Zambia has made tremendous progress in the two Districts in areas of water and sanitation, and infrastructure development whose projects are not just structures, but symbols of hope and progress, enabling better healthcare, community cohesion and economic empowerment activities.
Ms. Kawandami expressed Zambia’s eagerness to learn from the successes of other nations represented at the global forum through sharing knowledge, and experiences and supporting one another to accelerate the pace of development and bring about lasting change in respective communities.
And Saemaul Undong President, Mr Gwang Lim Kim, acknowledged that the Global Saemaul Undong has helped villages improve infrastructure and raise income, and instilled a “We can do it” spirit among the residents.
He said the voluntary participation of residents and the dedication and efforts of Saemaul leaders have inspired hope and courage that resonates all across the globe.
Mr. Lim Kim therefore urged nations already actively implementing Saemaul Undong to adopt the movement as one of the key national policy projects and pledged support to strengthen solidarity and cooperation in hopes of building a global community that thrives together.
